FIber optic distributed temperature sensing of high-frequency upper ocean dynamics
Abstract
Abstract Small-scale variability in the upper ocean in uences air-sea exchange processes as well as the local optical and acoustic environment. It represents a major source of uncertainty in remotely sensed imagery. The characterization of these dynamics is thus of operational importance to the Navy. Investigating small-scale processes requires dense spatial sampling over long distances with high temporal resolution. Our group has signi cant experience utilizing Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) systems to measure oceanic variability on 5 meter scales over kilometers for periods of weeks to months. This technology has only recently become su ciently sensitive for oceanographic work. Here we propose to purchase a high-resolution Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing System (DTS) and develop a simple, modular winch to deploy multi-kilometer lengths of optical ber in a variety of oceanographic settings. The DTS is envisioned for use during the Langmuir Cell DRI, where it will observe the detailed temperature structure in the mixed layer during the onset and evolution of Langmuir circulation. It also would be of great utility in the Air-Sea Interaction DRI, where it could be used to separate internal wave variability from submesoscale dynamics, and the Inner Shelf DRI, where it could track the in uence of internal waves on inner-shelf dynamics. We anticipate that the optical-based DTS system will become a mainstream sensor in numerous coming DRIs that involve .01-10 kilometer- scale processes. All of the PIs on this proposal supervise graduate students, and it is expected that this technology will form a signi cant component of a number of Ph.D. projects. The Fiber Optic DTS system represents transformative transformative ocean technology, and our group is well-positioned to develop its potential bene t to the Navy and the scienti c community.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512876
Entities
People
- Andrew J. Lucas
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego